Protective Security Summit
NSW 2026
Join us at #PSSNSW2026 as we deep-dive into Reinforcing Protective Security: Where Strategy Meets Operational Reality.
8 May 2026
8.30 AM – 4:30 PM
UNSW Kensington, Sydney NSW
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Shaping New South Wales' Security Landscape
About the summit
The Protective Security Summit NSW 2026 will convene senior leaders from government, law enforcement, critical infrastructure, industry and academia to examine the evolving protective security landscape and strengthen Australia’s capability to respond to emerging threats.
Hosted by the Australian Security Research Centre (ASRC) in partnership with Risk 2 Solution Group and the University of New South Wales (UNSW), the Summit forms part of the national Protective Security Summit series delivered across Australia in the lead up to the annual Protective Security & Government Conference (PSG).
The Summit provides a strategic forum for informed dialogue, cross-sector collaboration and practical capability uplift, focusing on how protective security strategy translates into operational performance in real-world environments.
Participants will engage in structured discussions that explore how organisations can move beyond compliance toward demonstrable capability and measurable security outcomes in an increasingly complex threat environment.
The PSS series plays a critical role in strengthening evidence-based security practice at the state level while reinforcing national alignment across Australia’s protective security ecosystem.
Event Details
Date: Friday, 8 May 2026
Time: 8:30 AM – 4:30 PM
Location: The Chancellery, UNSW Kensington
Turning Protective Security Strategy into Real-World Capability
Why Attend
Intelligence and Threat Response
Gain insight into how intelligence is translated into coordinated operational response during complex and rapidly evolving threat situations.
Cyber Security and AI-Enabled Risk
Understand how emerging technologies and cyber threats are reshaping the security landscape and what leaders must do to stay ahead.
Whole-of-Government Assurance
Learn how governance, accountability and policy alignment support effective security delivery across agencies and sectors.
Critical Infrastructure Resilience
Explore how essential services prepare for disruption, manage consequence and maintain operational continuity under pressure.
Crisis Leadership and Decision-Making
Examine how leaders make timely, high-stakes decisions during incidents, emergencies and rapidly changing operational environments.
Cross-Sector Collaboration and Capability Building
Connect with peers across government, industry and academia to share insights, strengthen partnerships and build collective protective security capability.
Protective Security Summit NSW 2026
Who should attend
The Protective Security Summit NSW 2026 is designed for senior leaders and decision-makers responsible for security, risk, resilience and organisational assurance.
This Summit is particularly relevant for:
- Security, risk and resilience executives
- Protective security and intelligence professionals
- Government and regulatory leaders
- Critical infrastructure and essential services providers
- Emergency management and incident response leaders
- Cyber security and technology risk specialists
- Law enforcement and public safety professionals
- Governance, audit and assurance leaders
- Business continuity and crisis management practitioners
- Senior advisors responsible for organisational capability and resilience
Maximise Your Impact
Become a key partner in shaping the future of protective security and elevate your organisation’s presence.
Bringing together government, industry, and academia
Our speakers
Opening Address
Professor Paul Andon
Interim Dean, UNSW Business School
Co-Host
Dr Gav Schneider
Director, Australian Security Research Centre
Co-Host
Dr Gav Schneider
Director, Australian Security Research Centre
Co-Host
Dr Pranit Anand
Senior Lecturer, UNSW Business School
Stephen Leahy OAM
Chief Superintendent, NSW State Emergency Service
Stephen Leahy OAM
Chief Superintendent, NSW State Emergency Service
Darren Bark
Executive Director, Investigations & Counter Terrorism, NSW Police Force
Jim Henry
Director Protective Security, NSW Department of Customer Service
Jim Henry
Director Protective Security, NSW Department of Customer Service
Matt Riley
Global Security, Toll Group
Simone Wheatley
Exec MBA, CISSP, ISO/IEC 27001 LA
National Security Lead, Microsoft
Steve Limebeer
Head of Security, Ausgrid
Steve Limebeer
Head of Security, Ausgrid
Tony Vizza
Founder and Managing Partner, Novera
Luke Irwin
CEO & Principal Consultant, Aegis Cybersecurity
James Blakely
Director - Head of Government Relations, Atmos
James Blakely
Director - Head of Government Relations, Atmos
Dr Sue Keay
Director, UNSW AI Institute
Professor in CyberCrime Cyberwar and Cyberterror, UNSW | Director, Cyber Security Education Australia (CySEA)
Grant McKay
Head of Protective Security and Chief Security Officer, Sydney Water
Grant McKay
Head of Protective Security and Chief Security Officer, Sydney Water
Associate Professor and Director of Undergraduate Programs (Law), UNSW Law & Justice
MC
Dave Cohen
CEO, Risk 2 Solution Group
MC
Dave Cohen
CEO, Risk 2 Solution Group
Professor Paul Andon
Professor Paul Andon
Dr Gav Schneider
Director, Australian Security Research Centre
Dr Pranit Anand
Senior Lecturer, UNSW Business School
Deputy Commissioner Michael Morris OAM CF
Deputy Commissioner Field Operations, Fire and Rescue NSW
Stephen Leahy OAM
Chief Superintendent, NSW State Emergency Service
Darren Bark
Executive Director, Investigations & Counter Terrorism, NSW Police Force
Natalie Pearse
Director Protective Security Policy, Department of Home Affairs
Jim Henry
Director Protective Security, NSW Department of Customer Service
Matt Riley
Global Security, Toll Group
Simone Wheatley
Exec MBA, CISSP, ISO/IEC 27001 LA
National Security Lead, Microsoft
Steve Limebeer
Head of Security, Ausgrid
Grant McKay
Head of Protective Security and Chief Security Officer, Sydney Water
Tony Vizza
Founder and Managing Partner, Novera
Luke Irwin
ISSMP, CISSP, CISM, Grad Cert Cybersecurity
CEO & Principal Consultant, Aegis Cybersecurity
James Blakely
Director - Head of Government Relations, Atmos
Prof Richard Buckland
Professor in CyberCrime Cyberwar and Cyberterror, UNSW | Director, Cyber Security Education Australia (CySEA)
Dr Sue Keay
Director, UNSW AI Institute
Dave Owens APM
Founder, Risk-e Business Consultants | Former NSW Police Deputy Commissioner
Dr Kayleen Manwaring
Associate Professor and Director of Undergraduate Programs (Law), UNSW Law & Justice
Dave Cohen
CEO, Risk 2 Solution Group
COLLABORATING FOR A SAFER FUTURE
Our partners and supporters
Host
Partners
Supporters
Advance your knowledge and be part of the conversation at PSS NSW 2026: Reinforcing Protective Security Where Strategy Meets Operational Reality
Gain exclusive access to thought leadership, expert panels, and cutting-edge discussions.
PSS NSW 2026: Reinforcing Protective Security Where Strategy Meets Operational Reality
Event schedule
- 8:30 AM
Arrival & Registration
Morning Tea
Begin the day by connecting with peers while enjoying morning tea on arrival.
- 9:00 AM
Opening Address
Launching PSS NSW 2026 - Reinforcing Protective Security Where Strategy Meets Operational Reality
This opening address will formally launch the Protective Security Summit NSW 2026 and outline the critical role of collaboration between academia, government and industry in strengthening protective security capability. Attendees will gain a clear understanding of the Summit’s purpose and the strategic context shaping today’s security environment.
- Professor Paul Andon (Interim Dean, UNSW Business School)
- 9:10 AM
Welcoming Our Thought Leaders
Setting the Stage for Insightful Discussions
Our Summit hosts will welcome participants and introduce the themes shaping the day’s discussions.
- Dr Gav Schneider (Director, Australian Security Research Centre)
- Dr Pranit Anand (Cyber Security Stream Lead, UNSW Business School)
- 9:20 AM
OPENING KEYNOTE
Operational Realities: The Threat Environment Facing NSW Today
Gain frontline insight into the current threat environment facing New South Wales, including emerging risks, evolving tactics and operational challenges confronting law enforcement and security agencies. This keynote will provide a practical perspective on how threat intelligence translates into real-world protective security responses.
- Darren Bark (Executive Director, Investigations & Counter Terrorism, NSW Police Force)
- 9:45 AM
Fireside Chat
Beyond Compliance: Strengthening Protective Security Capability Under the PSPF
This discussion will explore how organisations can move beyond compliance to build genuine protective security capability aligned with the Protective Security Policy Framework (PSPF). Attendees will gain practical insights into strengthening governance, accountability and performance in an increasingly complex risk environment.
- Natalie Pearse (Director Protective Security Policy, Department of Home Affairs)
- Dr Gav Schneider (Director, Australian Security Research Centre)
- 10:10 AM
PANEL DISCUSSION
From Intelligence to Operational Impact: Closing Gaps in National Threat Response
This panel will examine how intelligence, technology and operational coordination must work together to strengthen national threat response capability. Speakers will share lessons from real-world incidents and explore how agencies and organisations can close critical gaps between information, decision-making and action.
- James Blakely (Director – Head of Government Relations, Atmos)
- Matt Riley (Global Security, Toll Group)
- Stephen Leahy OAM (Chief Superintendent, NSW State Emergency Service)
- Facilitated by Dr Kayleen Manwaring (Associate Professor and Director of Undergraduate Programs (Law), UNSW Law & Justice)
- 10:55 AM
KEYNOTE
Whole-of-Government Assurance: Aligning Policy, Performance and Accountability
Effective protective security requires alignment between policy intent, organisational performance and measurable accountability. This keynote will explore how government agencies can strengthen assurance mechanisms, build workforce capability and ensure that protective security frameworks deliver real outcomes.
- Jim Henry (Director Protective Security, NSW Department of Customer Service)
- 11:20 AM
WORKSHOP
Security, Resilience and Business Continuity
This practical session will examine how organisations can strengthen resilience and maintain continuity during disruptive events. Participants will explore the integration of risk management, crisis response and recovery planning to ensure operations remain stable when pressure is highest.
- Dr Gav Schneider (Director, Australian Security Research Centre)
- 11:50 AM
PANEL DISCUSSION
Key Insights from the ASRC Bondi Beach Terrorist Attack Report
This session examines the key insights and findings from the Australian Security Research Centre’s (ASRC) Bondi Beach Terrorist Attack Report, highlighting critical lessons for protective security in crowded public places. It will explore how these findings can be translated into practical improvements across prevention, preparedness, response and recovery to strengthen protective security outcomes in NSW and beyond – download the report.
- Dr Gav Schneider (Director, Australian Security Research Centre)
- Dave Owens APM (Founder, Risk-e Business Consultants | Former NSW Police Deputy Commissioner)
- Facilitated by Dave Cohen (CEO, Risk 2 Solution Group)
- 12:20 PM
Networking Lunch
Enjoy a buffet lunch while connecting with peers from across government, law enforcement, critical infrastructure and industry.
- 1:00 PM
KEYNOTE
Protective Security as an Enabler of Service Delivery
Drawing on extensive frontline experience leading large-scale emergency responses across New South Wales, the session will highlight critical lessons on coordination, command, and decision-making that strengthen capability and readiness when response systems are tested at scale.
- Michael (Mick) Morris OAM CF (Deputy Commissioner Field Operations, Fire and Rescue NSW)
- 1:25 PM
Panel Discussion
AI, Cyber and National Security
Artificial intelligence and cyber capabilities are reshaping the national security landscape at unprecedented speed. This panel will explore how organisations can harness technology responsibly while managing emerging risks, strengthening cyber resilience and protecting critical systems.
- Dr Sue Keay (Director, UNSW Ai Institute)
- Simone Wheatley Exec MBA, CISSP, ISO/IEC 27001 LA (National Security Lead, Microsoft)
- Luke Irwin ISSMP, CISSP, CISM, Grad Cert Cybersecurity (CEO & Principal Consultant, Aegis Cybersecurity)
- Facilitated by Dr Pranit Anand (Senior Lecturer, UNSW Business School)
- 2:10 PM
Panel Discussion
Critical Infrastructure, Consequence and Systemic Resilience
Critical infrastructure failures can have cascading consequences across communities and economies. This panel will examine how organisations can strengthen system resilience, manage interdependencies and prepare for high-impact events that test operational capability.
- Tony Vizza (Founder and Managing Partner, Novera)
- Grant McKay (Head of Protective Security and Chief Security Officer, Sydney Water)
- Steve Limebeer (Head of Security, Ausgrid)
- Facilitated by Dave Cohen (CEO, Risk 2 Solution Group)
- 2:55 PM
WORKSHOP
Cyber Threat Reality & Adversary Thinking
This session will explore the realities of today’s cyber threat environment and the mindset of those who seek to exploit vulnerabilities in systems and organisations. Drawing on deep experience in cyber security education and adversary behaviour, this workshop will challenge assumptions, strengthen situational awareness and provide practical insights into how organisations can better anticipate, detect and respond to emerging cyber threats.
- Prof Richard Buckland (Professor in CyberCrime Cyberwar and Cyberterror, UNSW | Director, Cyber Security Education Australia)
- 3:55 PM
CONCLUDING REMARKS
Final Thoughts and Future Directions: Closing PSS NSW 2026
This closing session will reflect on the key insights from the day and identify priority actions for strengthening protective security capability moving forward.
- Dr Gav Schneider (Director, Australian Security Research Centre)
- Dr Pranit Anand (Cyber Security Stream Lead, UNSW Business School)
- 4:00 PM - 4:30 PM
Networking Drinks
Conclude the day by continuing conversations in a relaxed environment with peers, partners and sector leaders. This reception provides an opportunity to deepen connections, share perspectives and reinforce the relationships that underpin effective protective security.
Limited Seats Available - Book Early
Tickets
Corporate Table
$2,590
- Access to all sessions
- Lunch, refreshments and networking drinks
- Reserved table for 8 attendees, premium seating, recognition during event
- 20% discount (save $650)
Shaping New South Wale's Security Landscape
What others have to say about us
We're here to help
Frequenty asked questions
The event will be held at The Chancellery at UNSW Kensington. Detailed directions and venue information will be provided to registered attendees prior to the event.
Your registration includes:
- Full access to all keynote sessions, panels and workshops
- Morning tea on arrival
- Buffet lunch
- Networking drinks and afternoon tea
- Event materials and resources
Yes, your ticket includes a generous range of refreshments throughout the event. Attendees will enjoy morning tea during the arrival and registration period, a buffet lunch, and complimentary afternoon networking drinks with nibbles from 4:00 PM to 4:30 PM.
If you have any dietary requirements, please specify these when registering or email [email protected] so we can accommodate your needs.
Yes. Dedicated networking opportunities are built into the programme, including arrival networking with morning tea, a buffet lunch and a networking reception at the conclusion of the event.
Yes. Interactive discussion is encouraged. Participants will have opportunities to engage with speakers during panel discussions and workshops using our audience engagement tool, Slido.
Where appropriate, presentation materials or summary insights may be shared with registered attendees after the event. This will depend on speaker permissions and operational sensitivities.
No. The Summit is delivered as an in-person event only.
Yes, parking is available at UNSW, with the best parking location at Gate 11, Botany St, Kensington NSW 2033.
For speakers and hosts, parking fees will be covered by the event. To arrange this, please provide your vehicle registration number in advance so it can be registered online.
For all other guests and attendees, parking is available at UNSW’s designated parking areas. Please note that UNSW is a Restricted Parking Area, and parking is only permitted in marked bays. A valid parking permit is required between 7:30 AM and 7:30 PM, Monday to Friday.
Parking fees for visitors are as follows:
- 2P and 4P casual visitor parking: $7.75 per hour (maximum of 2 or 4 hours).
- All-day casual visitor parking: Minimum $15.50 for 2 hours, then $4.75 per hour thereafter (up to 12 hours). Available on the upper floors of the Barker St (Gate 14) and Botany St (Gate 11) car parks.
Payment for casual visitor parking can be made via the CellOPark App or ‘pay by plate’ meters.
For more details on parking fees, visit UNSW Parking Rates.
Yes. The venue is accessible and designed to accommodate attendees with mobility or accessibility needs. Please advise the organisers of any specific requirements during registration.
Yes. Registrations may be transferred to another eligible attendee prior to the event. Please contact [email protected] to arrange the transfer.
Please refer to the official Event Terms & Conditions for full details regarding cancellations, refunds and registration changes: https://asrc.com.au/protective-security-summit/events-terms-and-conditions/
Organisations interested in sponsorship or partnership opportunities are invited to contact the event team at [email protected] to request further information about available packages and collaboration options.
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